Chicago Bears: 3 dangerous matchups Carolina Panthers present
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bears look to go 5-1, but first they’ll have to get through a deceivingly dangerous team in the Carolina Panthers.
Three years ago, the Chicago Bears took on the Carolina Panthers in one of the most memorable games of the decade. It was the Eddie Jackson breakout game. This was the game Jackson put the league on notice that he would be one of the game’s best safeties for years to come.
Jackson made history in this one, recording two defensive touchdowns of at least 75 yards — one off a fumble by Curtis Samuel and another from a deflected pass by Cam Newton. This was the game Jackson told the league, “I’m here.”
Sunday, Jackson and the Bears defense have another chance to make a statement. This time, it’s against one of the better teams they’ve faced in 2020. The Panthers come into this one at 3-2 while the Bears boast a 4-1 record.
Things look much different for these Panthers, though, as Newton is no longer under center and instead, it is veteran Teddy Bridgewater.
This game will be different for the Chicago Bears, too.
That infamous Jackson game saw Mitchell Trubisky under center for the Bears. It was an ugly game on both sides, but Trubisky only threw seven passes in that one. This time, the Bears will throw a few more than seven times.
It’s Nick Foles at quarterback, now, and he’s had some extra time to get even more accustomed to his backs and receivers. Hopefully, we’re in for his best game yet as a Bear.
In order to come away with a victory against these Panthers, though, the Bears will have to win a few matchups that present big challenges. Carolina is a good football team, and Chicago cannot take these areas for granted.